Courtesy Photo | Pfc. Keon Christie, mechanic, 18th Military Police Brigade, and native of Queens,...... read more read more
By Maj. Michael Indovina
18th Military Police Brigade
CAMP VICTORY, IRAQ – On his way to work, a Multi-National Division - Baghdad Soldier's quick response saves an enlisted leader's life, April 3, at Camp Victory, Iraq.
Pfc. Keon Christie, a mechanic with the Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 18th Military Police Brigade, was walking to a bus stop when he noticed a sport utility vehicle veering off the road with another Soldier slumped over the steering wheel.
Christie, a native of Queens, N.Y., attempted to open the doors of the sports utility vehicle but all the doors were locked from the inside. Without hesitation, Christie used his M4 rifle to break the window to gain access to the Soldier in need.
Once the vehicle was open, several other Soldiers came to his assistance. A captain, specialist and an FBI agent in the area helped pull the ill Soldier from the vehicle.
The ill Soldier had warning signs similar to a heart attack or stroke. The others then began to perform CPR on the now known command sergeant major.
As the group conducted CPR, the command sergeant major came in and out of consciousness.
Christie said, "I did not feel comfortable doing the CPR because I was not certified in the process but assisted in the recovery of the Soldier when he came to.
"I would ask him if he knew where he was and what had happened," said Christie.
As the group continued with CPR medics from the troop medical clinic arrived and subsequently took over the medical treatment and transported the sergeant major to the clinic for follow on treatment at the hospital.
The Command Sgt. Major is now stabilized and recovering from the incident that took place on, April 3. He has been returned to his home station back in the United States to continue on with his recovery.
Christie did not want to be the Soldier who 'just walks away' when someone is in need.
"Where I come from most people that see this type of situation, just look and stare and don't do anything about it," said Christie. "But I did not want to be one of those people."
As a result of the incident, Christie wants to further his ability to helping others.
"Because of this (event) I am now interested in taking courses to become certified in CPR for future use," said Christie.
Christie's unit is proud of him for doing the right thing.
"Pfc. Christie is high speed," said Staff Sgt. Paul Bosso, headquarters security platoon, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 18th MP Bde. "Christie is a new Soldier to the Army and he did the right thing and what is expected of a Soldier.
"After being a military policeman for several years now, most people I have observed just continue on and watch and don't take action," added Bosso. "Christie taking action definitely contributed to the sergeant major still being alive today."
| Date Taken: | 04.03.2008 |
| Date Posted: | 04.08.2008 09:57 |
| Story ID: | 18184 |
| Location: | BAGHDAD, IQ |
| Web Views: | 121 |
| Downloads: | 86 |
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